Circular-knitting machine.



H. A. Mi. E. HOUSEMAN.

CIRCULAR KNITTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.15, 1913 1,127,768. Patented Feb. 9, 1915 4 SHBET$-SHBET 1v F/GJ.

WITNESSES: 4 INVENTORY gm Harry/4 Houseman &

//aro /a E. houscm an H. A. & H. E. HOUSEMAN.

CIRGULAR, KNITTING MAOHINB. APPLICATION 11 211 111 11.15, 1913.

1,127,768. Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

JTTORNEY HARRY A. HOUSEMAN AND HAROLD E. HGUSEMAN,

rarest @FFEQE.

Q33 PHELfiDELPHIA, IEENNSYL VANIA, ASSIGHORS T STANDARD MACHINE COMEENY, (3F PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A CORPORATION. OF PENNSYLVANIA.

CIRCULAR-KNITTING macnznn.

memes.

T all whom it may concern 1 cylinder the-rotary Be it known that we, Hanna" A. House MAN and Harem) E. -H0UsnMAN, citizens oi the United States, residing at Philadelphia,

COlIltY of Philadelphia, and State of Penn sylvania, have invented a new and useful. Improvement in Circular-Knitting Ma chines, of which the following is a full,

clear, and exact description, reference being had tothe accompanyingdrawings, which form a part of this specification.

The object of our invention is to construct a circular knitting machine for the manufacture" of hosiery and especially that type thereof in which the needle cylinder rotates and oscillates while the cam cylinder or ring remains stationary.

The invention comprises a number of novel features, which, in their application, are particularly adaptethbut not necessarily confined to machines in which the needle cylinder is the rotatable element.

The invention also comprises the combina tion and coiirdination of these novel features with certain mechanism, including the means for controlling and efiecting'the shift from rotation to oscillation and vice verse, that forms the subject matter of an application filed by Harry A. Houseman, May 17, 1912,

Serial No; 697,861, in which the needle cylinder is the stationary element and the cam element.

Theinventi'on will he understood by reference to the accompanying drawings and the particular description thereof, in which we have shown and described the independently novel features of the present invention as v with Well as certain of the mechanism, adapted from the Harry A. Houseman machine above mentioned, that is coordinated and combined said independently novel features.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front elevation of a part of the machine, illustrating principally the mechanism for rctating and head and ratchet ring and certain of the oscillating the needle cylinder. Fig. 2 is a horizontal chine. Fin. 4 is a side elevation of the machine,partly broken away. Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view showing the principal mecl'ianism for shifting from rotation to escillation and vice versa. Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional plan view ofthe' knitting Specification of Letters Patent.

' the rear bank of shown in the position they occupy at the end section on the line 22 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 1s a plan view of a part of the ma- Patented Feb. 9, 2915.

Application filed April 15, 1913. Serial No. 781,339.

needle actuating mechanism controlled lay theratc'het ring. Fig. Z. is'a vertical sectional view on the line 'Z-'Z-7 of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a fragmentary side view of the can] for lowering the rear bank of needles. 9 is a development comprising a view from the inside of the cams for acting directly upon the needles. Fig".- ltl is a similar development comprising a view-from the ortslde of the pickers and the cam for raising needles, the parts being of rotation. Fig. 11. is a View. similar to Fig. 10, showing the parts inthe positions they occupy half of oscillation. lar to Figs. 10 and the positions they Fig. 12 is a iew, simi- 11, SllOWiZlgZ! the parts in occupy at certain times during the second half of oscillat on.

Referring first to Figs. 4 and 7, a is the frame of the machine and b thehed plate for the needle cylinder. cam ring'and appurtenant mechanism. The needle ,oy'linder 0 has secures. its lower-end the driven gear 11 (which is actuated as hereinafter described), resting directly upon the ring 0 within the led b, which ring rests upon the ring 22 secured to the inner lower edge of the bed 6. v

The rotatable needle cylinder is provided with'radial slots extending inward from its outer wall, the needles 7, 5/. extending within these slots and lteing movable upward there in to render theln inactive, as is well understood in the art.

Supported on the top of thehed plate is the cam ring i which carries the ordinary knittingicams for actuating the needles.

As is well understood. during the knitting of the leg of the stocking and during the knitting of that part of the stocking be tween the heel and toe (which We shall call the to t), the needle cylinder is continuo sly rotating and all the needles are downnnd in action. During the knitting of theheel and toe, the needle cylinder is oscillated, and the needles 9 extending throughout onealf the circumference of the needle lied (hereinafter at certain times-during the first needle cylinder,

one at 'a time, first in their slots.

, This operation is effected by means of two is fixed on the shaft 20, and 22. The upper pinion means of a spur I 24, 2d, which are moved sets of pickers hereinafter described and having the construction and operation of the picker forming the subject-matter of the application of Harold E. Houseman, filed June 17, 1912, Serial No. 701,027, and controlled by special mechanism also hereinafter described.

'1 hegear 11 on the knitting cylinder is driven frcm the gear 12 on the clutch shaft 20,- on which are slidably mounted the .two pinicns 21 and 22, which have sleeves to which are yoked the vertically movable arms up or down 'in uni son as hereinafter described. Tht clntch 23 between pinions 21 21 is'constantly rctated and the lower pinion 22 constantly oscillated. When the arms '24 are moved down, thus engaging the rotary pinion with the clutch 23 and disengaging the oscillatory pinion 22 therefrom, the gear 12 is ccntinuously rotated, thusrotating the needle cylinder. When thearms 2:: are elevated, thus disengaging the rotary pinion-21 from the clutch 23 and engagingthe oscillatory pinion therewith, the gear 12 is constantly oscillated, thus oscillating. the knitting cylinder. P

1'he Dinicn 21 is constantly rotated bygear '25 meshing with the pinion 21. The shaft '26 of the spur gear 25 also carries a bevel gear 2'? driven from a bevel pinion 28 on the driving shaft 't..

' "Thepinion 22 is constantly oscillated by.

the following means. On the shaft 26 is a crank 29 connected by a link 30 with an arm Turning cn,a post 32. Extending from the hub of the arm 31 is a quadrant 33 engaging the pinion 22; I The arms 24 are secured to a post 60, which has 'a pair of collars 61 between which extend the forked ends of a lever 62 pivcted between its ends on the frame of the machine. The leveri's actuated by means of, a double cam 63, 64.- secured to a sleeve 67 on the shaft 69. These cams rotate together and may be integral one with another. .Ea'ch cam has a high part and a low part. The high part o f gam 68,is adapted to enact with an arm 65 oni't-he lever (32, The .high part s of cam 64 is adapted to enact with an arm 66 on the lever When the high part of held down, thereby moving cam 63 coacts with the arm 65, the post-engaging end of the lever (52 is moved and 60, the'aims 24 and the pinions 21 and '22, thereby clutching pinion2l with the clutch 23 and dictating the rotation of the needle cylinder. When the high part of cam 4 ccacts with the arm (36, the post engaging end-of lever 62 is held up, thereby dictating the cscillaticn of the needle cylinder. The length of the high part of each of the cams 63 and 61 corresponds with the length of the low part of the rther cam, and the arrangement is such that when the high part of one cam starts to ride under its correspending lever arm, the high -part of the other cam starts to recede frrm its corresponding lever arm. Thus the lever 62 is always in positive engagement with one cam or the cther.

The double cam 63, 64, is caused to turn by means of a pattern ratchet wheel 68, also secured to the sleeve 67. which ratchet wheel is 67 and then by means of a pawl 70 In the Harry A. Houseman application hereinbefore referred to is fully set forth pattern mechanism for initially turning the sleeve 67. This mechanism is capable of ap lication to the present machine and need not therefore be described. It is suilicicnt to say that just before it is desired to change from rctati'on to oscillation, the cam shaft 77 (which is geared means of the intermeshing pinions T8 and 79) is given a partial turn, thereby turning the sleeve G'ktcgether with the double cam 63, 6-1 and the ratchet wheel 68.

The-pawl 70 is constantly reciprocated by means to be hereinafter described. The

to the sleeve 67 by down the post ratchet Wheel 68 has a numberof teeth. all

movement being insufficient to cause it to drop back of the same. Consequently. it is inoperative to turn the ratchet wheel (38. But after the ratchet wheel has been given the initial turn just described. the long tooth is advanced to such position that on the next reciprccaticn of the pawl 70 it drops back of the long teeth 80 and proceeds to turn the ratchet-wheel, together with the double cam 63. 6 f

As the pawl 70 engages and pushes the next t oth of the ratchet 68. the high part of cam 63 recedes from the lever arm 6) and the high part of cam 64 engages lever arm 66, thereby lifting the post-engaging end of lever 62, clutching the lower or oscillatory pinion 22 to the clutch shaft 20 and un-' clutching the rotary pinion 21, and causing the needle cylinder to oscillate.

The constant reciprocation of-the pawl 70 memes 1s enected by securing to the'hub of lever 31 a section of a bevel pinion 81 which drives a similar shifted from rotation to oscillation, it betwo pairs of teeth 3 again as long as one ccmes necessary to throw out of action the rear bank of needles 9. I Before particularly describing the mechanism foreii'ecting the movement, reference will be made to the pattern mechanism and needle actuating mechanism embodying the novel features of the present invention.

By reference to Figs. 6 and 7 it will be noticed that a ring or wheel 2' rests upon an annular flange projecting from the bed plate Z). This ring is provided on its periphery with a series of teeth, most of which are of uniform length, It will be noted, 1 however, thatone of them, marked 2, is of twice'the length of the shorter teeth, while y and w, 4c are of intermediate length, each'of them being half '1 is ratchet wheel is operable by two pawls-asrie, the main pawl j, which is the ordinary actuatingpawl, and the other, the supplemental pawl/c, which actuates the ratchet ring i at only one point in a complete rotation, as hereinafter described.

The pawl j is supported and actuated as follcwsz'A ring 101 (see Fig. 7) is loosely inserted in a recess formed in the bed plate I) and rests on the ring d. This ring has an arm 102 on which is pivoted the pawl j, the pawl being held'in operative relation with the ratchet ring by means of a spring 103 (see Fig. The arm 102 also carries a pin 10% (see Fig. 4), on which. is a roller 105 that enters the cam groove (see 'Fig;' 2) formed in the upper surface of the spur gear 25. This groove is formed by an inner cam 106 and anouter cam 10?, which cams through the roller 105 and arm 102, oscillate the ring 101 back and forth a distance equal to the desired throw of the pawl 7'. The mcticn thus imparted to the pawl is suchthat its complete forward oractuating throw is effected by two'successive movements, whileits retraction is effected by a sirlgle movement. In actuating the short teeth, the pawl isretracted to such an extent that theifir'st forward movement does not operati'iely engage the tooth in advance thereof, the tooth being engaged and the I, 'ratjch et ring operated on the seccndforward movement of-the pawl. A tooth of middle length, a: or y, is, however. actuated on the first forward movement. The long tooth ,2, however, isof such length that the pawl 7', on its retraction, will not drop back of it until the ratchet ring .t' is turned by the sup- .plementalypawl "h but will play idly back and forthon the long tooth, this condition secured a holder 83 carrying the of the shorter teeth.

' pinions 21 same time the in line-- oft'tavel existing during the rotary movement of the needle cylinder, when theratchet ring 2' is stationary.

The two successive forward movements of the pawl y are so timed that, during oscillation of the needle cylinder, one occurs in the first part ofthe needle cylinder, while the other occurs during the last part of needle cylinder. I Thus, when one of the short teeth, or the long teeth 2, is actuated, the ratchet ring z' turns during the latter forward oscillation of the the forward oscillation of the part of the forward oscillation of the needle cylinder; while if one of the teeth'w, a." or 'z y, of intermediate length is actuated, the 180 I ratchet ring .z' turns during both parts of the forward oscillation of the needle cylinder. i a v The supplemental pawl is (see Figs. 3 and i), is pivoted on one end of the lever 110 and is held in operative relation with the ratchet ring 2' by the spring 111. The lever 110 ispivoted between its ends on a bracket secured to the main frame, its other end being pivoted to one end of a link 112. The other end of the link is pivoted to the upper end of arock arm 113, the lower end of the being pivoted on the main frame. This arm carries a projection which is engaged by a camll ion the cam shaft 77.

As before described, just before the shift from rotation to oscillation, the cam shaft 77 is turned to turn (by means of gears 78 and 79 and sleeve 67) the ratchet wheel 68 into position to cause the pawl to drop back of the long tooth 80 of the ratchet wheel 68. ill? the next turn of, the machine, the pawl 'l'l) actuates the h 1g tooth 80,; of theratchet wheel 08, thereby turning the cam shaft 77 'to such position that the can] 114, through the arm 113, link 112 and lover 110, causes the supplemental pawl 7c to push one of theshort teeth in advance of the long tooth of the ratchet ring 2' and turn the ate the lcng tooth a in the same manner as i it normally actuates one of-the short teeth.

During the actuation of the next tooth of' ratchet and 22 are shifted to cause the oscillatory pinion 22 to operate the clutch shaft, as hereinbefore described. At the pawl j actuates the long teeth 2 of the ratchet ring 2', thereby operating the mechanism for lifting the rear bank of needles 9 out of action and moving into op erative position the pickers ,for lifting out of action the needles fic e eta time,.as hereinbefore mentioned. This mechanism will now be deiscribed.

3n the'ratchet of an arm one rock ring 5 is a cam m. which is wheel 68v bythe pawl 70, the.

ring. Theshaft 'l21carriesa camarm 122,

Y which, by means ef the spring 123, is mixmoving out of action,

'- just described, is swungup,

their slots and mallyl held outof the path of needles 9 oft-the rear bank, but which, when \the ratchet ring is given the shift by the camm, arm 120, and rock shaft 121, 'nto'the path of the lcng'butts of the needles 9 of the rear bank, thereby elevating "these needles in throwing them out of action. At the same time the cam 11. on the ratchet ring?) passes beyond the lever 1,35, which.v moves the pickers 130 into operative position,'as will now be described.

The pickers are two in number, one for one at a time, needles at one end of the front'bank of needles, f, the other for moving out of action, one at a time, the needles attheother endof the front bank'of needles. These pickers are more fully described and shown in the Harof the long butts old E. Houseman application hereinbefore referred to." Briefly (see Figs. 9 and '10,), each picker comprises a picker arm orcam 130 which has two pins 132, 133, extending respectively into two'slots on the frame l31.- In the oscillation of the needle cylinder, the butt of the particular needle which at any given oscillation is in advance, strikes the end cam surface of the picker 130 and pushes the same in the direction of movement of the needle, the pins sliding in the slots and causing theneedle-engaging end of the picker to rise and lift the said needle out of action and at the same time swing so as to allow the needle butt to slide off the end cam'surface of the picker. The butts of the other needles pass under the overhang ing end of-the picker, and as soon as these needles pass beyond the picker a'spring 138 into-inoperative position. as

draws the picker back to its initial position "ready to engage the first needle in action on" the next oscillation of-the needle cylinder.

WVhcn it is desired to more the pickers during the rotation of the needle cylinder, the pickers are elevated so that the butts of all the, needles pass under the overhangiugends thereof; This is accomplished by piioviding one of the pins 132 of each picker with .a headlg-l (see Fig. 6), which is engaged, and adapted to be actuated,'by a-lever pivoted on the cam ring h." The lever engaging the pin 1320f one picker is marked 135, while the lever engaging thepin 1-32 of the other picker is marked 136. Lever 136 is a. two-armed lever and is connected by a pin and slot connection 137 with the lever 135, which isa threearmed lever. The third arm of lever 13.5 is in line oftravel of thecam n. I

During rotation. the cam nengages the lever 135 and holds levers 135 and 136 in such position that the pins 132, 132, of the tion, so that the scribed.

dropped of the ratchet ring -11 '0 holdsup the arm two pickers are held in the inner ends oi the slots in the frame 131' (see Fig. 10'), thus- .holding the pickers up in inoperative posibutts of'all the needles nn- .derride the overhanging head ofthe pickers. and operativelymenga'ge the ordinary knit t g ams-$1 (see Fig.- 9). Als beforestated, when the'pawl j actuate the first short tooth to behind the long tooth ratchet ring 5, the pam 7: passes lever and a spring 139, connectedwith lever 136, pulls both lovers out of operative position, allowing the springs 138 move thepickers 130- into operative position-to throw out of'action the needles of the fi'ont bank, one at a time, as hereinbefore de- The cam- 71 and the mechanism controlled therebyfor holding the pickers ,outof action are not absolutely necessarv'; for even if no means were provided to hold the pickers out of operative position, one of them a of'the i beyond the 5 would, during rotation, ride over the butts of the needles; but this would create need less wear and tear both upon the needles and one of the pickers, which is obviated by the mechanism above described.

It will be noted that as the ratchet ring z' i's-turned by the pawl j, soalso is the ratchet wheel 68 turned by the pawl 70. It-is de sirable, for reasons which are; not material to specify in connection with a description of ourpresent invention, to stop the rotaof the ratchet wheel 1'58. Ne have provided. for rendering the pawl 70 inoperative by. mechanism actuated on the next turn of the ratchet ring'z'that is, when the pawl j engagesnnd pushes thetooth w back of-the tooth 2. A dog or guard 140 (see Fig. l) is pivoted on the frame. then the guard is into engagement with the pawl 70, it tilts the pawl out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 68, so that the pawl, on subsequent reciproca'tions, turn the ratchet wheel. A link 141 connects the guard liO-with' an arm'lifl on'-a rock shaft 143. An arm 1544c on,the rock .shaft is in line oftravel of a cam-0 on the ratchet ring 2'. Prior to the engagement of tooth. w by the-pawlj, the cam 14A, thereby disengaging the guard 1 t0 from the pawl 40;'but when the ratchet ring iis turned by the engagement of pawl "7' with tooth .w,'the cam 0 passes from under the arm 144, allowing the ioo is ineffective to guard 14-0 todrop and. render the pawl 70 w and the memes forms one half of the fashioned fabric com-' posing the heel or me of the stocking.

It is now necessary to return the needles f of the front hank, thus rendered inactive, into operative position, one at a time, in ap proximately the reverse order in which they are thrown out by the pickers 130. This is preferably acconn? ished, is well known in. the art, by allowing the pickers 130 to continue to operate to move the needles out of action one at a time, and attire same time render operative a pair of pickers which will move the needles into action two at a time, the net result of which is to move the needles into action approximately in the reverse order in which they were thrown out. These pickers and their actuating mechanism will now be descrihed.

The pickers 150, 150 formoving the needles into action are shown in Figs. 6, 9 and. 10, and we prefer to construct them on the same principle as'pickers 180. 151, 15.1 are the frames containing the slots into which the pinsl52, 153, on the pickers extend. It willie noted, however, that the positions of pickers 150, 150, are inverted relatively to the pickers 130, 130, so that when their end cam faces engage the hutts of the needles f, thev draw the needles down in their slots into operative position. The and cam face of each picker 150, 150, is

. made somewhat longer than the end cam faceolf each picker 130, .130, so that the butts of two needles will engage therewith before the picker isturned into position to allow the butts of the ride the un(lerhanginr, end of the picker.

It will he observed that there is added to each picker a lever 15-1, which has a slot engaging the pin 152. 'Fach lever 15% has a projection engaging a pin 155 on "the frame picker to operative position.

15 31. To the lower end of each lever 15% is pi oted a lever 156, pivoted between ends, at'lhl', on the cam ring, and having on its end a curved rack engaging a similar rack on'the toothed lever connected with the other picker. While the pickers 150'are in operation, the downward movement of each picker to throw a pair or needles into action causes the corresponding lever 154: to swing" on its pivot into line of travel ofa projection 158 on the needle cylinder, which, on the return movement of the needle cylinder, strikes the lever 15% The needle oylii'ider, at each oscillation, describes nearly a complete rotation, so that the same projection actuates both pickers.

The lever 156 connected with one of the pickers has a hubprovided with an arm. 159 ha vine: a pin 170' in line with a cam 19 extending slightly more than half wav around the ratchet ring 21. During rotation, and also during that part of the oscillation in.

'posite the pickers needles following to overi ratchet ring and restores the which the fabric is being narrowed, thecam p underricles the arm down the corresponding picker 150 into inoperative position. By reason of the interracks on the two lovers 156, both,

mes-hing pickers 150 are withdrawn from operation simultaneously. This not only draws the pickers out of operation, butnulls down the levers 154 so that the projection 158on the needle cylinder will clear the same. The pickers 150, 150 continue to he held out'of operative position as unclerrides the arm 159.

So far in the described operationof the ratchet rin the cam 79 has been underriding the arm 159, and the pickers 150,150, have been held inactive. As soon, however, as the pawl j actuatesthe tooth a", the end of cam 0 passes from under arm 159, which, under the influence of spring 174, drops and swings up the levers 154 into position to be;

moved into operation by the projection 158. Owing to the length of the tooth m, this,

levers 154 are moved into the path of travel of the projection 158. the latter is approximately on the side of the knitting head op- 150. and thus, by actuating; the levers 154 at this time, ample man gin is allowed. The pawl j continues to actuate the ratchet ring 2' du ing the knitting "of the remainder of the fashioned fabric forming the heel or toe, both pairs of pickers remaining operative during thisno mechanism is actuated. by the .untillthe pawlj aetuates the tooth a, which is the second tooth before time; but

the tooth 3/. At this timethe cam 0 rides under the arm 14%, lifting-the guard 140 and again allowing the pawl 'ill'to drop into operative relation with the ratchet wheel 68. In

the continued turning movement of the ratchet ring 5, the pawl j drops hack of the tooth 1 of interm'e'diate length, and when the ratchet ring is turned hv the actuation of tooth y the following operations occur. First, the pawl turns ratchet wheel 68 into position to effect the disengagement of the oscillating pinion 22 from the clutch shaft 20 and pinion 21 therewith. Second, the cam rides under the arm 159, withdrawing the pickers 159 from ooerative position, as before described. Third, a cam r on the ratchet ring actuates mechanism for moving all the inactive needles into operative position. At this time the 'needlesiof the rear hank are in inoperative position, and four long as the cam p so l the engagement of the rotary I ofjthe needles of the front bank have not yet of the lever161 IS been moved into operative position.

now be described (see Figs. 7

The this operation will and 8).

-' Pivoted on the ring 0 is a lever 161 carrying at its upper end, and on its inside face, a needle-depressing cam 160. The upper end shaped to conform to the cam 160.. Extending outward from the lever 161 is a pin 162extending through a slotted lever 163 pivoted on a bracket onthe lever 161. Outside' the lever 163 a nut 161 is threaded on the pin' 162. The lever 163 carries a earn. 165 which is in line of travel of the cam 1'. A spring 166 is coiled about the pin 162 between the levers 161 and 163. A spring 167 normally'holds the lever 161 in the retracted position in Fig. 7. l/Vhen the pawl j actuates the tooth y, the cam i underrides the cam 165 and swings the lever 163 inwardly. Through the medium of spring 166 the lev,er 161 is pushed inwardly, the location of the lever 161 being such that at this time theaieedles f, with the short butts, which are already in action, are passing in front of the cam 160. The cam 160 swings mechanism for effecting over these butts and against the outer wall the-long butts of tooth y" and causesthe cam n of the needle cylinder and in line of travel. of the butts of all the needles that are out of action. so that, as the needle cylinder continues to turn, the butts of the last named needles successively engage the cam 160 and are moved down thereby into operative position, as shown in Fig. 8. If, for'any reason, all the needles'should be in inoperative position, ,the cam '160, under. the impetus hf spring 166, would first swing- -against the short butt needles. f and yin line. of travelof the needles 9', and after .engaging the long butt needles 9 and drawing them down, would swing farther inward into the path of travel of the 'short butt needles and'draw them down. Oh the next 4 forwar throw of the pawl 7', it engages the to engage the lever 135 and render the pickers 130,130 in:

before described; The next tooth of the ratchet ring 2' is a. short one and the actuation .ofthis tooth by the pawl'j actuates no mechanism. T hereaft' r, during operative as rotation, or during the knitting o the cir-i 'ing. the pawl 7" plays cular portions (leg andfoot) of the stockidly upon the long tooth .2. In the meantime the pawl has? turned the ratchet wheel 68-into such .posi tion that the paWl TO plavs'idly on thelong tooth of ratchet wheel 68, until the ratchet wheel 68 is turned from the pattern mechanism to allow pawl 70 to again operate it as befoidescribedQ This completes the cycle of operations of the machine.

F It is of importance that the arm 159 controlling the pickers-150 should be actuated to withdraw the pickersi150 at the proper time; and to insure this, regardless of the that the outer end of starts to rotate.

"ratchet ring a.

engaged on .rotary work, at which timethe .allow the pawl j to "cause the shift from rotation the ratchet ring a,

; tate the withdrawal from active positionof therear bank of needles 9.

oscillation of the proper cotirdination between arm 159 and cam 79, the following mechanism is provided. By reference to Figs. 6 and 7 it will be noted the arm 159 carries not only the short pin 170 which coiiperates with the cam 79, but also an otlset overriding a-- long pin 171, which extends vertically through the cam ring it and bed plate b and has on its end a head 172 located in a recess in the bed plate. A lever 173 (see also Fig. 4) is pivoted between its ends on the bed plate, one end of the lever being curved upward and extending under the head 172 while its other end carries a pin which ex tends under the arm 21 supporting the rotary pinion 21 (see Fig. 5). It has been hereinbefore stated that the cam p rides under the pin .170 of the arm 159 to effect the withdrawal from operative position of the needle pickers 150 at the same time that the rotary pinion 21 is moved down into engagement with the clutch shaft 20. As the pinion 21 is lowered, 'its supporting arm 24 depresses the corresponding"end oi lever 173, thereby raisingthe other end of lever 173; which lifts the pin 171. Normally this will occur after the lifting of arm 159 by the cam but if, for any reason, the cam 79 should fail to act, the arm 159 will nevertheless be lifted, by the'pin 171, before the -machine In describing the-construction of the machine we have incidentally described the operation of the various parts in their proper. sequenceybut it may be desirable; at the risk of repetition, to summarize the operatitan-briefly, following the sequence of operations throughout a complete rotation of the Assume the machine to be awlj is playing idly on the long tooth z' 'ofhthe ratchet wheel i and the pawl-70 is playing idly on thelong tooth of the ratchet wheel 68. As soon asthe pattern mechanism dictates'the conclusion of the rotary work; the ratchet wheel 68. -is turned thereby to allow the pawl 70 to drop back of the long toothBO. Thereupon the pawl 7Qactuates the long tooth SO'of the ratchet wheel 68 and, at the same time the pawl'k: is actuated from the shaft .77 to turn the ratchet ring 2' to drop back of the long On the next turn of the machine, YOturns the ratchet wheel 68 to to oscillation: actuates the long tooth z ofcausing theca'm m to die tooth s; the pawl while the pawl 7' cam n to pass beyond the levers con trolling the pickers130ior moving out o? operative position. one at a time. the eedles f of thefront bank: permitting sai pickers to mo e into position to. operate. At the next machinethe pawl j actuand carting the the ratchet ring 'loined operation, gradually move into operawould if ates the tooth w of the ratchet ring i,causing the cam 0 to release. the mechanism for rendering pawl 70 inactive, thus stopping the rotation of ratchetwheel 68. I As themachine continues to oscillate, the pickers 130 continue to move out of action the needles 7 of the front hank, one at a time, gradually narrowing the fabric, and the pawl j continues torack the teeth of until it reaches the tooth :23, at which time the smallest number of needles are in operation and the fabric is at its narrowest width. The actuation'of the tooth 00 causes the cam 72 to pass beyond the arm 159, thereloy causing the pickers 150 to move into operative position. Thereafter, during the continued oscillation of the machine, the pickers 150 and 130, by their COHl-i tive position the needles i that have been previously rendered inoperative, thereby gradually widening the fabric. While the tooth a2 is shcwnas OfthQSflillfl length as torth as, this simply results in an earlier and longer throw of theiatchet ring than c the case if the tooth so were of the same length as' the shorterie'eth, but theoperation'of the machine would not otherwise hegchanged. The tooth a) may, therefore, be made short, hut it is shown'as of l the same length as tooth or: in order that these two teeth may be oi the comhined length of three short teetlnthus facilitating the layine out and cutting of tee ratchet wheel. When torth u is actuated, the cam 0 effects the lifting of the guard 140 from pawl 70, allowing the latter to again operate to turn the ratchet wheel 68. When the toothy is actuated,the.pawl turns the ratchet wheel 68 to cause the shift from oscillation to rotation; while the cam 9* underrides the cam 153, operating the mechanism to move into operative position all the nee-.- dles that at this time are inoperative, and f the cam 79 engagesand lifts the arm 159, thereby/moving the pickers 150 into inopa erative position. the 'arm- 159 also being lifted by the pin 171 controlled from the lever 24 supporting the rotary pinion 21. The actuation of tooth 1 causes the earn a to engagethe lovers controlling the pickers 130,w causing the latter to be moved intoinoperative position, This completes the cycle of operations.

After the pawl j actuates the tooth before thelongltooth 'a, the pawl j plays idly on the face of the long tooth until, at the con clusion of the rotary Work, the length of which is controlled by the pattern mechanism nrtshcwmthe latter actuates the cam sh aft-Tlfand ratchet wheel 68, thereby again rendering the pawl 70 operative toengage, the long tooth 80, whereupon the pawl is turns the ratchet ring 2' into position to renloination,

' move the rear 1' adapted to successively erative, picker controlling ,tary driving means, shifting mechanism cycle of operations alcove described is resumed.

Having now fully described our invention, what we claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent iss i r 1." In a circular knitting machine, in coma relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary clriving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means with the needle cylinder," a ratchet ring, means to turn the same during oscillation of the use die cylinder, cam mechanism adapted to bank of needles into and out of operative position, pickers adapted to 7 move certain needles of the front hank successively out of operative position, pickers move into operative position needles previously rendered inopmeans, pattern controlled mechanism connected with and adapted to partially control the operation ofithe shifting mechanism, other devices adapted to partially control the operation of the shii'ting mechanism, and cams carried by the ratchet ring adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by its turning means to con trol the operation of said needle actuating cam mechanism, piclrer controlling means. '95 and the last named devices a r 2. In a circular knitting machine, in corn' hination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting thetwo driving means with the needle cylin der,-a ratchet ring, means to turn, the-same during oscillation of the needle cylinder, cam mechanism adapted to move wcertain needles of the front banhgsuoces sively out of operative position, pickers adapted to successively move into operative 11 position needles previously rendered inoperative, picker controlling means, and cams 'carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as theratchetfring is'turned. to control the operation of said needles ctuating earn 111 echan isni and picker controlling: means 3. in a circular knitting machine, in c01nhination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, ro

means, oscillatory driving 1 for alternately connecting thev two, driving means with the needle cylinder, aratchet ring. means to turn the" same during oscillation of the needle cylinder, cam mechanism adapted to move the rearfhanlrof needles into and out of operative position, pattern controlled mechanism eonnectedwith and adapted to partially control the operation of the shift ing mechanism, other devices adapted to 13 partially control the operation of the-shift- Iing mechanism, and cams carried by the ratchet ring adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by the turning means, to control the '5 -operatio'n of saidcam mechanism.

' tion of the. needle cylinder,

' the needle cylinder,

4.- In a'circular knitting machine, 'bination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder; a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means,

means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means. with the needle cylinder, cam mechanism adapted to move the rear bank of needles into and out of operative position, pickers adapted to move certain needles of the front bank successively out of" operative position, pickers 5. In a circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder; a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means with ing a relatively long tooth and a number of relatively short teeth, included in said shifting mechanism, a pawl actuating the ratchet wheel, a ratchet ring and a main pawl for actuating it, means to operate the main pawl, pattern-controlled mechanism cylinder, means adapted to turn the ratchet wheel to per'-' mit its actuating pawl to operatively en-' gage-its long tooth, connections from the patterncontrolled mechanism, adapted to render the main pawl operative to turn the ratchet ring,

cams carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet "ring is turned by the inain pawl. to control the operation of the needle actua ing-devices.

6. n a circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism connecting the two driving needle cylinder, relatively'long tooth and a number of relatively short teeth, included in said shitting mechanism, a pawl actuating the ratchet wheel, a ratchet ring and a main pawl for actuating it dur'ing'oscillation of the needle to operate the main pawl,

means with the in com oscillatory drivingbination, a relatively a ratchet wheel, havneedle actuating devices, and' lation, pattern controlled ed to render the main pawloperativeto for altern ately a ratchet wheel, having a mamea ing the two driving means with the; needle pattern controlled mechanism adapted to turn the ratchet wheel to permit itsrtictuatto operatively engage'its long tooth ing pawl I from rotation to preliminarily to the shift oscillation, connections controlled mechanism adapted to renderthe main pawl operative to .turn the ratchet ring, needle actuating devices, mechanism adaptedto render the ratchet wheel pawl inoperative, and cams carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet ring 15 turned by the main pawl, to control the operation of said needle actuating devices and the last named mechanism.

,7. In a circular knitting machine, in comrotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means wit the needle cylinder, a ratchet wheel included in said shifting mechanism,.a pawl actuating the ratchet wheel, a ratchet ring and a main pawl for operating it, means from the pattern o to voperate the main pawl, pattern controlled mechanism adapted to eiiect driving engagement between the ratchet wheel and its pawl preliminarily to the shift from rotation to oscillation, pattern controlled mechanism adapted to I render the main pawl operative to turn the ratchet ring, needle actuating devices,-and cams carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet. ring is turned by the main pawl, to control the operation ofthe needle actuating devices.

8. In a' circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, ro-' ta-ry' driving means, means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two 'drivin-g'means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet wheel included in said shifting mechanism, a pawl actuating the ratchet wheel, a ratchet ring and-a main pawl 'for operating it, means to operate the main pawl, patterncontrolled mechanism oscillatory driving adapted to eiiect driving engagement be' tween the ratchet wheel and its. pawl preliminarily to the shift from rotation to oscilmechanism adapt- 9. In a circular knit-ting machine. in combination. a reiativelv rotatable needle 'cyli-n-vder. a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory. driving means,

shifting mechanism for alternately connectcylinder, a ratchet ring,

I needle cyl intler,

met/nee a main pawl for actuating it, antl operating means for the main pawl, pattern controlled mechanism connected with and adapted to partiallycontrol the operation of the-shifting mechanism, patterncontrollecl mechanism adapted to render the main pawl operative to turn the ratchet ring, needle actuating devices, other mechanism adapted to partially control the operation of the shifting'znechanism, and came carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet ring; is turned by the main pawl, to control the operation ol'lthe needle actuating devices and the last named mechanism, Y

l0. In a circularlmitting machine, in C0i11- bination, a relatively rotatable needle cylillllGI', a relatively etationaryca'm ring, retary driving moans, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately cminccting the two driving means with the a ratchet Wheel, having a relatively ion; tooth and a number of rela tirely short teeth, included in said shifting mechanism, a pawl actuating the ratchet a ratchet ring, having a relatively long tooth and a number of relatively short teeth, lzn- 'actzmting the ratchet from the needle cylinder nisni l or actuating themain pawl, patterncontrolletl mechanism adapted to turn the "atchet Wheel to permit its actuating pawl ringr, connections driving mechato operatively engage its long tooth and adapted also to actuate said supplemental pawl to turn the ratchet ring to permit said main pawl to operatirely tooth, needle actuating devices, and came carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet ring is llllil1tl-l) the main pawl, to control the operation of saicl needle actrr ating devices.

' l. in a circular knitting machine, in comhination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, to tar drivinq means, oscillatory driving -means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two drivinganeans with the needle cylinder, a ratchet Wheel, having a relatively long tooth and a number of shorter teeth, included in saicl'shiftin'g mechanism, a pawl actuating the ratchet Wheel. a ratchet ring main pawl adapted to play back and forth on the long tooth of the ratchet rinagduring rotation of thFneerlle cvlincler'aiid to {iClItb ate the shorter teeth daring oscillation of the needle cylinder, a supplemental pawl for prelimii'iarily actuating the render the main operate the main pav'l, pattern controlled mechanism adaplml to turn the ratchet Wheel to permit its actuating: pawl to :operatively engage its long tooth preliminary to the I ate the Si main pawl and a supplemental pawl.

engage its long 7 having a relatively long tooth r and a number oi" relatively short teeth, a,

ratchet ring to pawl operative, 'lneans to shift from rotation to ed also to actuate said turn the ratchet ri g pawl to operatirely e needle actuating ed to rentlcr the ratchet whee l i the rotation of the no tea n entler the operate incchan inent h pla n pa oscillation anti aclapt- Supplemental pawl to permit ithe main ngage its longtooth,

pawl inoperratchet ring is turned ml the operation devices, mechanism adaptctuating (leric'es antl the last ar knitting machine, in ccinotatahlc needle cylin- 'inary cain ring, rotary iatorv driving means, in ror alternately connect re nieanswith the l'lGQlllG heel included in saicl a paivl act-noting the ct ring, haul .i 2 number ol relati i prm'l adapted to play anti long tooth (luring hr and to actulation of the pawl for chct ring; to h ,ativc, means to pa tern. control-led ilriviug engage heel and its pawl preliminary ti ill; from rotation to ()Lwt'll SlGOH anti also to actuate the sup 'ilomental pawl to la n tl 'chet ring to rcnl (ler the main paa'l 111g; devices, and on is ring and adapt c, necrllc actuat- (ftlll'lllll by the ratchet V I I as the ratchet ring is turned by the main pawl, to control the (1pcration of saiil needle actuating a ices.

ll. in a circular la: 333g machine, in combination, a rollire rotatableneedle I. st, tionarv cam ring,

rota ry clrz means, sin p" ,[cill ms, oscillatory (1 rl vi a g nlsni' alternatelv a l connecting the to (lll='lll means with the needle cvhncler, a i cl wheel included in said shifting" nee the r mg rotation or of the needle cvlintier,

*eenthe rat prellniinarv to the cillation and a mental pawl to ti tler the ating (lo am: the ratchet Wheel. 5

ill or the needle actuate the shorter teeth til i to r".

all pawl actuat ng atchet. ring, having al a number of rela-, an pawl adapted to orth on said lonagtooth llui "*"il1](le1 and to wing osc llation SHDDlEHlQlllIEll pawl et ring in pawl operative, means Wl, pattern controlled "act driving engage let u noel and its pawl from rotat on to 05-- Nate the suppleit to renneedle actuit ccl tojrentler 5 a o perati re, anti cams 10 carried by the'ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet ring is ing devices and the last named mechanism.

ii. In a circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder,'a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring having a relatively long tooth and a number of shorter teeth, a main pawl adapted to play back and forth on the long tooth during rotation of the needle cylinder and to actuate the shorter teeth during oscillation of the needle cylinder, a supplemental pawl 'forpreliminarily actuating the ratchet ring to render the main pawl operative, means to operate the main pawl, pattern controlled mecha nism connected with and adapted to partially control the operation of theshifting mechanism, connections from the pattern controlled mechanism adapted to operate the supplemental pawl, needle actuating devices, other devices adapted to partially con- ;trol the operation of the shifting mechanism, and cams carried by the ratchet ring 1 and adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned ring I needle cylinder,

- move into operative position needles pretiallv control the by themain pawl, to control the operation of the needle actuating devices and the last named mechanism.

15.111 a circular knitting machine, in

combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, 'a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism connecting the two driving meanswith the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring arranged concentric witli the needle cylinder and having a relatively long tooth and a number of shorter teeth, a pawl actuating the ratchet and adapted, during rotation of the to play back and forth on the long tooth, pattern controlled mechanism adapted .to eliect actuating engagement of the pawl with the long tooth, cam mechanism adapted to -mo,ve the rear bank of needles into and out of operative position,

pickers adapted to move certain needles of the front bank successively out of operative position, pickers adapted to successively vioiisly rendered inoperative, picker controlling means, pattern controlled mecha' nism connected with and adapted to paroperation of the shifting mechanism, other devices adapted to partially control the operation of the shifting mechanism, and cams carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet is turned .by the pawl, to control the operation of said needle-actuating cam mechanism, picker controlling means, and the last named devices.

turned by the main pawl, to control the operation of said needle actuatrotary driving means,

for alternately 18. In a circular centric with the needle cylinder and having arelatively long tooth and a number of shorter teeth, a pawl actuating the. ratchet ring and a needle cylinder, the long tooth,

to play back and forth on actuating engagement of the pawl with the long tooth, needle actuating devices, pattern controlled mechanism connected 'Wltll and adapted to par,- tially control the operation of the shifting mechanism, other mechanism adapted to partially control the operation of the shifting mechanism, and cams carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by the pawl, to control the operation of the needle actuating devices and-the last named mechanism.

17. In a circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring arranged concentric with the needle cylinder and having a relatively long tooth and a number of shorter teeth, a pawl actuating the ratchet ring and adapted, during rotation of the needle cylinder, to play backand forth on v the long tooth, pattern controlled mechanism adapted to eiiect actuating engagement turned by the pawl, to control the operation of the needle actuating cam mechanism and the picker controlling means.

knitting machine in-c'ombination, a relatively rotatableneedle cylinder, a relatively tooth, pattern controlled mechanism adaptstationary cam ring, rotary driving means,.oscillatory driving means,

dapted, during rotation of the 7 pattern controlled mechanism adapted to effect and cams carried by the ratchet ring and adapted as the ratchet ring is a n all erative to turn memes ed to effect actuating engagement of the pawl with the long tooth, needle actuating devices, and cams carried by the ratchet ring adapted, asthe ratchet ring is turned by the pawl, to control the operation of the needle actuating devices.

19. In a circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism foralternately connecting the two driving means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring arranged concentric with the needle cylinder having teeth of dill'erent length, an actuating pawl for the ratchet ring, means to actuate said pawl and in said actuation to impart to it its forward throw in two successive movements whereby the ratchet ring will be operated at different points in the oscillation of the needle cylinder dependent upon whether the pawl engages a relatively short tooth, or a relatively long tooth, pattern controlled mechanism adapted to render the pawl opthe ratchet ring, cam mocha-- nism adapted to move the rear hanl: of needles into and out of operative position, pickers adapted to move certain needles of the front hank successinely out of operative position, pickers adapted to successively move into opera tive position needles previously rendered inoperative, picker controlling means, pattern controlled mechanism connected with. and adapted to partially control. the

operation of the shifting mechanism, otherdevices adapted to partially control the op eration of the shifting mechanism, and cams carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by pawh'to control the operation of the needle actuating cam mechanism, picker controlling means and the last" named devices.

2051a a circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively SlJlllZlOllRlYlilHi ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring arranged cor centric with the needle cylinder having teeth of different length, an actnating pawl for the ratchet ring, means to actuate said pawl and in said actnation'to impart to it its forward throw in two successive movements whereby the ratchet ring will be operated at different points in the oscillation of the needle cylinder dependent upon whether the pawlengages a relatively short tooth or relatively long tooth, pattern controlled mechanism adapted to render the pawl operative to turn the ratchet ring. needle actnating devices, pattern controlled mechanism connected with and adapted to nartially con-l of the shifting mecha-.

trol the operation is turned by the for the ratchet nism, other mechanism adapted to partially control the operation of the shifting mechanism, and came carried by the ratchet ring and adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by the pawl, to control the operation of the needle actuating devices and the last named mechanism. 7

2i. in a circular knitting machine, "in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a' relatively SlZlllJlOllZlTf/finlll ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shitting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring arranged concentric with the needle cylinder having teeth of different length, an actuating pawl for the ratchet ring, ieans to actuate said pawl. and in said actuation to impart to it its forward throw *in nients whereby the ratchet ring will be operated at different points in the oscillat on of the needle cylinder dependent upon whether the pawl engages a relatively short tooth, or a relatively long tooth, pattern controlled mechanism adapted to render the pawl operative to turn the ratchet ringg cam mechanism adapted to more the rear bank of needles into and out of operative posh tion, piclrersada 'ited to move certain needles of the front ban sacceseii ely oatof operative position, pickers adapted to successively move into'operative position. needles pie vion'sly rendered inoperative, picker controlling means, and earns carried lay the ratchet ring and adapted.

pawl, to control tion of the needle actuating care and the picker controlling means.

22, la a circuhir knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shitting mechanism for alternatel I the onera connecting the two driving rnea'ns with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring arranged concentric with the needle cylinder having teeth of dill'erent length, anactnating pawl ring, means to actuate said pawl and in said nation-to impart to it its forward throw in two successive movements whereby the ratchet'ring will he operated at dlrlerent points in' the oscillation of the needle cylinder dependent upon whether the pawl engages a-relatively short tooth or a relatively longtooth, pattern cor trolled mechanism adapted to render the lWO SllCCQSSiVB IHOVQ as the ratchet ring ihechanism pawl operative to turn the ratchet -ring,

needle actuating devices, and. earns carried vloy the ratchet ring adapted, -'as t h e ratchet ring is turned by the pawl, to control the operat on of the needle actuating devices.

23. in a circular knitting machine,in ccni hination, a relatively rotatahle'ncedle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary actuating engagement of a short tooth the ring will be driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting the two driving means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring ar 'anged concentric with the needle cylinder and having a relatively long toothg ayiumber of relative short teeth and one or more teeth of medium length, an actuating pawl for the ratchet ring, means to actuate said pawl and in said actuation to impart to it in its forward throw two'suc cessive movements, whereby when the pawl engages a medium tooth the ring will he turned on the first forward movement of the pawl and when it engages a short tooth the ring will be turned on the second forward movement of the pawl and when-it engages the long tooth it will rack idly thereon, pat- 7 pattern controlled mechanism connecto tern controlled mechanism adapted to ell'ect the pawl with the long tooth, needle actuating devices, pattern controlled mechanism connected with and adapted to partially control the operation of the shifting mechanism, other mechanism adapted to partially control the operation of the shifting mechanism, andcams carried by the ratchet ring and. adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by the pawl, to con trol the operation of the needle actuating devices and the last named mechanism.

24. In a circular knitting machine, in combination, a relatively rotatable needle cylinder, a relatively stationary cam ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connecting thetwo driving means with the needle cylinder, a ratchet ring arranged concentric with the needle cylinderand having a relatively longtooth, a number of relative short teeth and one or more teeth of medium length, anactuating' pawl for the ratchet ring, means to actuate said pawl and in said ctuation to impart to it in its forward throw two successive movements, whereby when the pawl engages a medium tooth the ring will he turned on the first forward movement of the pawl and when it engages turned on the second. forward movement of the pawl and when it engages the long tooth it will rack idly thereon, patterncontrolled mechanism adapted to effect actuating engagement of the pawl with the long tooth, needle actuating devices, and cams carried by. the ratchet ring adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by the-pawl, to control the operation of the needle actuating devices.

25. in a circular knitting machine, incomwith the needle cylinder and havin za relativcly long tooth, a number of relatively \Wfl relatively rotatable needle cyliner, a r i short teeth and one or more teeth of medium length, an actuating pawl for the ratchet ring, means to actuate said pawl and iii-said actuation to impart to it in iits forward throw two successive movements, whereby when the pawl engages a medium tooth the ring will be turned on'thefifirst forward movement of the pawl and when it engages a'short tooth the ring will he turned on the second forward movement ofthe pawl and when it engages the long tooth it will rack idly thereon, a supplemental pawl for initially turning the ratchet wheel to cause the main pawl to be brought into operative engagement with the long tooth, pattern controlled mechanism adapted to actuate the supplemental pawl, needle actuating devices with and adapted to partially control the operation of the shifting mechanism. other mechanisms adapted to partially control the operation ofthe shifting in 'hanisni, and came carried by the ratchet ring and adapt-- ed, as the ratchet ring is turned by the pawl, to control the operation of the needle actuating devices and the last named mechanism.

26, in a circular knitting machine, in coznhination, a relatively rotatable needle cylin der, a relatively stationary can: ring, rotary driving means, oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for alternately connect-- in r the two driving means with the needle cy inder, a ratchet ring arranged concentric with the needle cylinder and having a rela tively long tooth, anumher of relatively short teeth and one or more teeth of medium length, an actuating pawl for the ratchet ring, means to actuate said pawl and in said actuation to impart to it in its forward the second forward movement oi the pawl and when it engages the long th will racl: idly thereon, a supplinienial pawl for ini tially turning the ratchet wheel to cause the main pawl to he brought into operative cngagement trolled mechanism adapted to acuate the supplcmental pawl, needle actuating devices, and cams carried by the ratchet ring adapted, as the ratchet ring is turned by the pawl, to control the operaticn of the needle actuating devices.

2?. in a circular knitting machine, the combination with a relatively rotatable nee- (lie cylinder and a relatively stationary cam. ring, of vertically movable needles carried lay the needle cylinder, a cam adapted to en-v page the but-ts of certain of the needles and d w them down into operative position, a

pivoteo the cam and adapted to swing the cam R 'd and from the needle with the long tooth, pattern con unison, and o combination with cylismler, a second pivolecl level, lilac ones of Tooth. levers hemg' liXEfl l'elsmvsly lo the com mgly sclnolzss first level, as surnslols member, smell a, com fl silencer siloplecl,

said incl-noel ls 'Jively operate she secoool lever and ll1eleoy,lhiougl1 lslle lsllzers yielding conncclion "'5 h the llFSlS level, force ills nseclle-ilepi'ess icom into she path of fi irsvel of ssicl needle hulls. I

28, In a. circular lmilling machine, the combination with s relniively rolsilzslile :oe' clle cylinder and s relatively slslionosy coin ring, of vertically lnovsillo needles carried by the needle cylinder, a com EMlQPnQCl to co gape the l'iuirtsol' certain of the needles 21ml drew them down into operz'otive position, ajosir of lovers, one carrying llie com and the othel' pivolaeclon the firsl; lover, a, spring helnvcen the lovers-W1 y when T'ehe second level" is moved on lbs pivot toward the lii's's; lever, the latter will he yielclii'igly accosted to force the neodlewlcpre siog com inward into the path of travel of" ssicl nee bolts, :1, 'urnollle member, and a com on m aisle member" l pied, as ssic .ly aclilsibelhe second level,

ln s. oil color l" .1153 machine, the coral, vely resemble nee ole cyi vely sllz ionsry ring. "-lc needles corriezl lay v o com adopted 52o enemy cl? iZl'lG needles and ll'ilW them, down into operative pos2- lion, a pivoted lever Whose axis fixecl I'els lively to coin ring, sol-(l com heinsj'coriiecl hy saicl lever, second slolted lover sup portedon the li lever, on also on the first into the of the secon l level, e spi'in;.:;,coilc l about ssicl arm: and confinedbetween she we lovers, s lllllllllldlfi member, s csn'i lived on the lurnohle men1- her, and e. co the second lever sdoplecl as said lllGZl'll'JOl lllll'iliil, co lac actuated by him com on the lnunsole member to move the second lcv were level. llllll thereiol spring and yiclilingly force sins conilmvsivl into the 5' s needle hulls, color kni sling machine, the

'conzhinssioii with a relatively rotslmllle needle cyliniilel' and e zelsliively stationary cam ring, of s l'oislzshle mlichclt ring, means llo turn the some, vel'licolly movable needles cm'i'iecl loythe nee-(lie cylinder, o pair of pickers zulopizcil to engage certain of said needles and move them successively out of operative position, a pole of love1's,'onc for each picker, controlling the niovcu'icnt of said pickers into and out of operative position, said levers licing connected to move in com on the ring mlaplell lo actuate one of soiof levels.

31. .ln s circular lvnilllng ma hinc, she s rolsnhle needle cylmg, means whereby the second level yielcl member is 7 also no index Gilli a relatively stationary cam ring, of is rotatable ralchel: ring", means to turn she some, vertically movable needles carried by the needle cylinder, :1 pair of pickers adopted: to engage certain of said needles and move them successively; out of operaez-lvo position, s pair of towel-med levers pivotecl on 5352151011511? axes, two correspondmg arms of the two levers having a pin and slot "QCZlIlGQiJOIl, and the other two corresponding arms of the two lovers adapted to control the pickers, and a cam on the ratchet ring adapted to engage one of said levers and move and hold both lovers in operative position.-

'32. In a circular knitting machine, the comhinalion oi a stationary cam cylinder, a rotatable needle cylinder and vertically movable needles carried thereby, two inclepenclently operable pickers adapted to move colt-sin needles successively out of action, springs, one for each picker, normally holding them in operative position, a, pair of levers connected to move in unison and act ing when operative to hold. the two pickers in inoperative position against the action of thcil' springs, is member revoluble independently-of the needle cylinder, means to turn seicl member intermittently, and a cam on saicl memher adopted to control the operalien of Sil'lil levers.

' ln a circular knitting nl'achinollle colnhinesion of s staslonsry cam cylinder, a rotatable neeclle cyliodel'. anal movable needles carried thereby, two indepcnilently operable pickers adapted to move certain needles successively out of action, swings, one fol" each picker, normally holding them in operative position, a pair of levers connected to move lnunison and acting when in one position to hold the pickers in inoperative position against the action of their actuating springs and in another position to release the pickers, a member lOVOllllJlQ independently of the needle cylinder, means to turn said member intermittcntly, and a cameo said member and a spring connected with said levers, one for moving said levers into, and the other for n'ioving them out of, their holding positions. lo a circular knitting machine, in

vertically combination, a rotatable needle cylinclei'; a, J

' ers out of operative operated by the combination with a relatively. rotatable needle cylinder and a relatively stationary cam ring, 0t. rotary driving means; oscillatory driving means, shifting mechanism for connecting the two driving alternately t t M a ro a a e means with the needle cylinder, ratchet ring, means to turn the same oscillation of the needle cylinder, means to move certain of the needles successively out of operative position, pickers adapted to successively return'the needles into operative position, a cam on the ratchet ring, means connected with the pickers adapted to be operated vby said cam to move the pickposition in the shift rotation, and means'conpickers and adapted to be shifting mechanism.

36. In a circular knitting. machine, the combination with a relatively rotatable necdle cylinder and a relatively stationary cam ring, and means to oscillate the needlecylinder, of means to'elevatc certain of the neefrom oscillation to nected with thedles successively out of operative position,

actuate first one pickers adapted to be engaged by certain of said' elevated by in'the direction of movement oi the nee.- dles, guides adapted to coiiperate with the pickers to cause the latter to carry the engaged needles downward into operative position, a lever movable with each picker, an

a projection turning with the needle) cylin-- der adapted, in the latters oscillation, to actuate said lever and return the picker to its operative position. 37. In a circular knitting machine, the

combination with areiativelyrotatable needle cylinder and a'relatively stationary. cam ring, of means to elevate certain of the needles successively out of operative position, a pair of pickers adapted to he engaged by certain of the elevated needles moving respectively in opposite directions and to be moved thereby in the direction of movement of the needles, guides adapted to cooperate with the pickers to cause the latter to'carry the engaged needlesdovsnward into operative position, a lever movable with each picker, a projection turning with the needle cylinder adapted, inthe latters oscillation, to

lever and then the other to successively restore the pickers to operative position, and means to move both levers out of operative relation with said projection whereby the pickers are caused to remain in inoperative position. Y

138. In a circular knitting machine, the combination with a relatively rotatable'needle cylinder and a relatively stationarv cam ring, and means to oscillate the needle cylinder, of means to elevate certain oi-the needuring needles and be moved thereengaged needles to dles successively; out of, operative position}. pickers adapted'to be engaged by certain c said elevated needles and be moved thereby in the direction of movement of the needles, guides adapted to cooperate with the pickers to causethe latter to carry the; engaged nee.- dles downward into operative pos tion, a lever movable with each picker, connections between said levers arranged'tocause them to move inunison, said levers'being also movable independently to return the respective pickers to operativeposition, a projection turning with the needlecylinder adapt ed, in the latters oscillation, to actuate said levers alternatelyand impart to them said independent movements, erate said connections and thereby actuate both levers to render their respective pickers inoperative. g

39. In a circular knitting machine, the combination with a relatively rotatable needle cylinder and a relatively stationary cam ring, of meansto elevate certain ofthe needles successively out of, operative position, pick-' ers each having a cam face adaptcdlto en:-

e certain of said needles successively an i '80 and 5 means to op V movement of the needles, a frame having a,

guiding slots, pins on each picker engaging the slots respectively and cooperating therewith to turn the picker and change-the angle of its cam face to allow the be moved down into operative position and disengaged, a-slotted lever engaged by oneof said pins and actuated thereby inv the movement of the'picker, and a projectionturning with the needle cylinder adapted to engage said lever and restore the corresponding picker to opera tive position.

plurality of 40. In a circular knitting machine, the

combination with a relatively rotatable needle cylinder and a relatively stationary cam ring, of means to elevate certain of the'needlessuccessively out of operative position, pickers each havinga cam face adapted to engage certain of said needles successively and to be moved thereby in the direction of.

movement of the needles, a frame having plurality of guiding slots, pins on each picker engaging the slots respectively and cooperating therewith to turn the picker and change the angle of its cam face to allow the engaged needles to be moved down into operative position and disengaged, a pair of pivoted levers, pivoted to one of the first leversaml slotted to engage one of the ins ot one of the picl ers, a pair of fixed pins, a cam face on each of the slotted levers engaging one of said pins, the first named pair of leversbein connected together to move in unison, am

means adapted to actuate the first named pair of levers and thereby cause each of the slotted levers to slide along one of the fixed a second pairof levers each pins and thereby move each of the pickers out of operative position. i

In a circular knitting machine, the combination with a relatively rotatable needle cylinder and a relatively stationary cam ring, of means to elevate certain of the needles successively out of operative position, pickers each'having a cam face adapted to engage certain of said needles successively and to be moved thereby in the direction of movement of the needles, a frame having, a plurality of guiding slots, pins on each picker engaging the slots respectively'and cooperating therewith to turn thepicker and change the angle of'its cam face to allow the engaged needles to be moved down into operative position and disengaged, a pair of pivcted levers, a second pair of levers each pivoted to one of the first levers and slrttedto engage one ofthe pins of one of the pickers actuated thereby in the movement of the pickema projection turning with the needle cylinder adapted to engage each slr tted lever and swing it on its pivot and thereby restore the corresponding picker to operative position, a pair of fixed pins one for each slotted lever, a cam face on each slotted lever engaging one of the pins, the first named pair of levers being connected together to move in unison, and means adapted to actuate the first named pair of levers and thereby cause each of the slotted levers to slide along one of. p the fixed pins and thus be Withdrawn from the path of travel of theprojection on the needle cylinder While at the same time Withdrawing the corresponding picker from operative position. v

42, In a circular knitting machine, the combination with a relatively rotatable needle cylinder and .a relatively stationary cam ring, and means to oscillate the needle cylinder, of a rotatable ratchet ring, means to turn the same'during oscillati n of the needle cylinder, means to elevate certain; of the needles successively out of operative position, pickers adapted to be engaged by certain of said elevated needles andfbe moved thereby in the direction of movement of the needles, guides adapted to cooperate Withthe pickers to cause the latter to carry the engaged needles downward into operative position, a lever movable with each picker, Y

a projection turning with the needle cylinder adapted, in the latters oscillation to actuate said lever and return the pickerjzo its operative position, and a cam on the ratchet ring adapted to move said lever out of the path of travel of said projection and simultaneously render the corresponding picker inoperative.

43. In a circular knitting machine the somy bination with a rctatable needle cylinder and a relatively stationary cam ring, of rotary driving means,

shifting mechanism for alternately connecting' the two driving means With the needle cylinder, a rotatable ratchet ring, means to turn the same during oscillation of the needle cylinder, means to elevate certain of the needles successively out'of operativepositiori, pickers adaptedito be engaged by certain 0i said elevated needles and be moved'thereoscillatory driving means,

by in'the direction of movement of the needles, guides adapted to cciiperate With the pickers to cause the latter to carry the engaqed needles downward into operative position', a lever movable with each picker,

a pro ection turning with the needle cylinder adapted, in the latters oscillation to actuate said lever and return the picker to its operative position, and means connected with said lever and adapted ,in the shift from oscillaticn to rotation, to be actuated by said shifting means to move the lever out of the path of travel of said projection,

thereby simultaneously Withdrawing the picker from operative position.

In testimony of which invention, We have hereunto set our hands at Phila., Pa., on this 27th day ofrMarch, 1913. p 7

HARRY A. HOUSEMAN. HAROLD E. HQUSEMANJ Witnesses V V,

W M. P. Bnocrcnmi aivn, F. WV. FoMNnMANgv. 

